The Organization for Tropical Studies

The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is a non-profit consortium that has grown to include 63 universities and research institutions from the United States, Latin America and Australia.

In the early 1960's, scientists from U.S. universities forged working relationships with colleagues at the Universidad de Costa Rica in the interest of strengthening education and research in tropical biology. Intense interest both in the U.S. and Costa Rica led to the founding of OTS in 1963.

OTS was founded to provide leadership in education, research and the responsible use of natural resources in the tropics.

To address this mission, OTS conducts graduate and undergraduate education, facilitates research, participates in tropical forest conservation, maintains three biological stations in Costa Rica and conducts environmental education programs.

OTS owns and operated three biological stations in Costa Rica:
• La Selva Biological Station is located in the Caribbean lowland at the northern base of Braulio Carrillo National Park and recognized internationally as one of the premier facilities for rain forest research.

• Palo Verde Biological Station lies in the heart of Palo Verde National Park in the northwestern Pacific lowlands and known for its deciduous dry forest, freshwater marsh and extensive wetlands.

• Las Cruces Biological Station & Wilson Botanical Garden on Costa Rica's southern Pacific slopes, noted for its extensive collection of palms, bromeliads and endangered plants. Las Cruces is part of the Amistad Biosphere Reserve.

Web: www.ots.ac.cr

E-mail: pmejia@ots.ac.cr